Progressive Forage Grower Magazine, November 2011
Not everyone uses the same forms of planting. Some people might use an eight-row to 36-row planter for seed – but others might use a five-row planter for sprigging. Yes, you read that right, sprigging. Sprigging is done by a machine that creates a trench, about 1-2 inches deep, where sprigs are deposited. Many of you have probably heard of a sprig before, but what exactly is it? Sprigs are essentially roots with soil unattached, and they are planted in prepared soil. They include stolons, which run above-ground and rhizomes, which run underground. The sprigs are capable of developing a larger root system and a new plant at each joint. Why spend time sprigging rather than traditional seed planting? The reason sprigging exists is not only because sprigging produces high-quality forage, but also because some varieties can only be planted by this method. Bermudagrass varieties produce very small amounts – if any – seed. Usually the seeds are not even viable. Douglas Heath has planted over 20,000 acres of sprigs in North Carolina, but it’s not limited to that state....
